Daughter’s joy as hidden motorbike engine found in Kingskerswell

A woman whose late father hid a motorbike engine under the floorboards decades ago has been reunited with the memento.

Mark Chard was working on pipework in Kingskerswell, Devon, when he discovered the MZ engine alongside a handwritten letter from Peter Oliver, a devoted motorcycle enthusiast.

Sally Oliver said the engine “was a piece of Dad’s spirit” would take pride of place in her home.

“I nearly fell on the floor when I heard,” said Ms Oliver who listened to a story about the discovery on BBC Radio Devon. “I had tears in my eyes.”

Her father’s love of bikes defined his life, she said. He once qualified for the Manx TT and owned dozens of motorcycles, cars and boats.

The East German MZ engine under the floorboards was from a bike he rebuilt and rode around Devon.

Before moving house, Mr Oliver dismantled the bike and tucked the engine beneath the dining room floorboards, a secret his daughter never forgot.

“It’s been on my mind ever since dad put it down there,” she said.

“I thought someone had thrown it away.

“It brings back so many memories. It’s a piece of Dad’s spirit, hidden away and now home again.”

The timing made the moment even more poignant.

Ms Oliver said: “The day before Mark found the engine was the five-year anniversary of losing Dad.

“I’m a big believer they’re watching over us. I think it’s a sign.”

The engine and the letter are now making their back to her, but it might not be the last surprise.

Ms Oliver believes her father could have hidden other items in the house.

Mr Chard said: “Sally told me her father replaced the flooring in the lounge and dining room.

“We’re lifting that floor after Christmas, and I’ll be looking out for any notes or markings. I’ll take pictures for her.”

He even plans to continue the tradition.

“I’ll put down all the information about the engine and something from us, maybe a copy of the letter and some media clips, and let’s see who finds it in 50 years,” he said.